AN: GG: Time for some family bonding! Regis and Noctis need to spend some time together, right?

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Noctis kept his hands flat at his sides while he took the short walk to his Dad's favorite sitting room with only Gladiolus shadowing behind him. The summons had come over dinner, and everyone knew there was no refusing the King like this. Still, despite the work they had been doing to be comfortable without Prompto at his side, the lack of cheerful blond itched at the back of his head.

Taking one of the deep breaths Ignis had engrained both of them during their separation training, he finally knocked on the door to be admitted, alone, into the lushly decorated sitting room. The prince was only partially surprised to find his father alone in the room, also without the constant shadow of his Shield for once.

"Ah Noct," his dad smiled. "Come and have a seat."

With a little nod, Noctis went over and sat in his usual spot on the loveseat across from Regis. "Hey Dad. Did you want to talk about something?"

"Yes I did, but first, are you okay here? Or would you prefer to be outside in the gardens?"

Noctis allowed himself a moment to fiddle with the edge of his shirt. "The gardens sound nice. This is a nice time of year for them." He replied, wanting the distraction from just thinking about the conversation and missing Prompto.

"Alright," Regs said, pushing himself up to his feet as he grabbed his cane. "Let's head out then. Some fresh air would be good for the soul anyway."

"Yeah, that sounds nice. I don't know if I've been outside in a while." Noctis mused while standing to follow his father.

"Well let's get out there then, and we can enjoy the gardens together," Regis said as they walked down the hall.

Noctis smiled a little while he walked alongside Regis. He gave a little gasp when he stepped out into the open space of the garden, feeling a sudden sense of terror go through him. He moved over to his Dad's side to hold onto his sleeve to feel an anchor in the area.

With his free hand, Regis carefully placed a hand on Noctis's shoulder. "It's okay Noct, it's just the two of us out here."

The hand made Noctis look over at his Dad with wide eyes and take comfort in. "Just the two of us. Yeah. Sorry, it's just- I'm surprised." He said softly.

"I know you are, but if it's too much, let me know, okay?" Regis said as they moved to one of the benches.

Noctis let himself move over to the bench to sit down next to Regis so he could take some breaths to calm down. "How are you doing, Dad?"

"I'm doing well, and what about yourself?"

"It's been. . . fine. I'm just trying to keep up with all the things Ignis is planning for us. And not freaking out during separation training." Noctis said honestly.

"That's good. I'm glad to hear you've been making progress. But there is still so much we need to talk about. So much that I have yet to discuss with you."

"What- what do you want to talk about?" Noctis asked softly, looking over at his father barely. "What do you need?"

"I only wish to talk, son. I..." Regis breathed. "I know what happened wasn't easy. But there were some things that came from it that I'd like to discuss. One of those being Prompto."

"Prompto? You mean, how's he doing?" Noctis asked, though he knew his cheeks were a bright red from the mention.

"Yes, but there is that other thing. That one thing we talked about, long before all of this had to happen."

"Oh, yeah, I guess, we figured out how to manage our feelings during all of this. He- I didn't think he would, but he feels the same about me. He makes me feel so happy," Noctis tried to explain while trying to avoid the forced confession.

Regis held Noctis close, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. "I know the circumstances were not fair, but the two of you look so happy together. I will be proud to call him my son-in-law."

Noctis froze at the mention of those circumstances before he tried to relax. "I don't- I don't know about son-in-law. You're assuming a lot." He said softly. "We just- we're just figuring things out, Dad. I don't want to worry him."

"He is a wonderful person and he is a good match for you. I believe in the two of you," Regis smiled warmly.

"You do? I really care about him a lot. He makes me- he makes me so happy." Noctis said softly.

"And you make me happy. And all I want is for you to be happy."

"I'm trying, I promise. And Prom makes me really happy." Noctis assured his Dad while grabbing his sleeve again. "How are you? I know- I know this must have been- hard for you."

"I was worried before. You know they sent... those videos. If it hadn't been for Clarus and Cor, I would have probably broken every good computer in the entire Citadel," Regis laughed.

That made Noctis smile a little bit. "I'm glad they prevented that. But- they acted like they filmed a lot. How many. . . how many did they actually send to you?"

Regis's face straightened, his eyes growing teary. "I don't even remember at this point. All I do remember is seeing your face, and how badly I wanted you back in my arms."

"I- I'm sorry. I didn't fight to get out," Noctis said in a hurry. "I gave into their demands and just let them order me around. I might have gotten us out earlier."

"Oh no, Night Light. You were very strong throughout this. You did what you could to keep Prompto safe, and that was a very brave thing to do."

"You really think so? I just- I didn't know what else to do, and I had to keep us safe, especially Prom," Noctis said softly. "Now I just hope it was the right choice, instead of trying to escape earlier."

"In the time of dire events we can't say what choice is right or wrong. You did what you could to protect Prompto and in the end that's all that matters."

Noctis couldn't help but lean a bit into his father at those words. "Thank you," He said softly. "Are you doing alright now?"

"Much better that I have you back here," Regis said before holding Noctis tightly again. "I love you, Noct. You know that right?"

Noctis leaned into the hold as he took a moment to answer the question, considering all the other priorities in his father's life. "I know that," He said softly. "I love you too, Dad."

Regis smiled, relaxing happily with Noctis still close to him. "My little Night Light," he whispered softly. "Safe and sound again."

The words made Noctis tighten his hold on his father's sleeve. "I don't know if sound is a good word to describe me," He said softly. "What if I never recover? I can't- I'll be a terrible Prince."

"You'll never be a terrible Prince, Noct. Besides, you are more important to me as a son than as the next in line."

Something shook inside Noctis at those words as he twisted and held tighter to his Dad for a moment. "It's so hard. Nothing feels normal or right. I want to- I just want to get back to normal."

Regis began to brush Noctis's hair with his fingers. "We're going to make it, one step at a time."

"How can I be as patient as you are?" He asked softly, into the soft, familiar smelling fabrics he knew as home.

"By just being yourself. You're my son. You already have it within you."

Noctis squeezed a little bit on his father's arm at that response. "Dad- I- I asked Gladio a question, and he said I had to ask you. Will you tell me the truth?"

"Hm? And what would the question be?"

"How bad was it when we were gone? How were you- during that time?"

"Ahh... I see." Regis sighed. "To tell you the truth, it was more than just trying to break computers. You're my son. My precious little Night Light. I love you more than anything in all of Eos. And to see what those monsters were doing to you. It... it broke my heart that I couldn't find you sooner. If anyone has to be sorry, it's your old man."

"Why would you be sorry? You tried to rescue us, and you managed twice to find us," Noctis said softly. "You didn't give up on us."

"I know I never gave up. But if I wasn't king, I am sure I would have done something more terrible to Drusus than what had already happened."

"Then what had already happened?" Noctis asked curiously. "No one- no one told me what happened after- after the rescue really started."

"Oh yes that's right. You were already... already resting. If you want to know, I can tell you, but it's a lot to take in."

Noctis considered that for a moment. He knew there was a lot he was missing, and the missing parts of his memory were beginning to bother him. "I'd like to know. It's important to know how we got out."

Regis breathed in. "When I found you two, Drusus had already shot you. But he was already injured on the floor. He bled from the chest and from the wrist. Noct, his wrist was nearly cut off, and Prompto held your sword.

"Prom did that- I knew he was strong, but, he's amazing," Noctis said softly.

"He wanted to protect you. Have you asked him to join your Crownsguard yet?"

"No, I wasn't sure I wanted to pull him into all of this and the danger, but it's too late for that now."

"You think he will want to join? I feel he would be a good choice. Having someone that is from outside of the Citadel."

"We, he-" Noctis licked his lips a little as the phrase rattled through his head, "he has a phrase he always tells me. Ever by your side. I think he would, if I asked."

"But it sounds like you don't want to ask him," Regis inquired.

"I've already hurt him so much. I just want to keep him safe," he confessed.

"And he wants to keep you safe. What better way than letting him join? That way, you can both be able to look out for each other."

Noctis twisted around to be able to look at his father carefully. "I suppose that would work too," he said softly. "You'd be okay if I wanted to put him as part of my personal guard?"

"Yes, I think it would be wonderful. Prompto's already displayed great strengths, so I think he would be an honored addition to your Crownsguard."

"Okay, I'll ask him to join. To be there with me all the time."

"And what about marriage?" Regis asked with a laugh. "When will you ask him that?"

The question made Noctis flush and let out a strangled noise. "Dad! What?"

Regis continued to laugh. "Come now Noct, you've told me before how much you love Prompto. Isn't it only a matter of time?"

"High school! You have to- ask me after high school!" Noctis blustered, unable to stop some of his flailing.

Regis grinned as he hugged his son. "Fine, fine. I can wait a few more years. But you will be looking for a new item of courtship? I'm sorry but we were unable to locate the cufflinks."

"Ah, yeah, I do need to do that. We joked about earrings, but maybe a necklace would be better. Or a wrist cuff."

"Ahh earrings," Regis sighed, looking up to the sky with nostalgic eyes. "I may be biased, but I think earrings are a lovely choice. But a wrist cuff? How so?"

Noctis frowned at that. "Prompto has a- a mark he likes to keep covered on his wrist. And, might as well make sure he has something nice to cover it up."

"Ah yes, that rather mysterious barcode... I think that would be a lovely gift. But there isn't any rule that says you can't give more than one."

"You know about the barcode? Do you know what it means?

Regis's expression stiffened slightly. "I don't know what I can say about it. There's a lot of mystery surrounding it. But regardless of meaning, I can understand if Prompto would prefer to keep it hidden."

"Yeah, but I don't care what it means. I just want him to feel comfortable. Maybe I'll get him two gifts, that way he has something no matter what."

"I'm glad. Your happiness for him is what makes me happy. Let's plan together the perfect gift then, alright?"

Noctis smiled at that. "Okay. Thank you for helping get the cufflinks. I'm sure we will manage to find something good to replace them."

"And I'm sure Prompto will appreciate anything you give him."

"I have to make sure to not overwhelm him with gifts. Even if I'd love to do that," he sighed.

"I'm sure he is just not used to being showered with gifts, especially by the prince no doubt."

Noctis frowned a bit at that. "No, I don't think he's used to getting gifts at all."

"His parents weren't home during this whole ordeal. Couldn't even get into contact with them. Tell me, does he ever talk about them?" Regis asked.

"No, he doesn't unless someone asks him about them. I asked once, while... in there, about them, and he shut me down immediately," Noctis confessed.

"It must be a sensitive subject. But we're going to fix that," Regis reassured. "We'll make sure he doesn't feel neglected again."

"Wait, what are you going to do? Please don't make him my brother."

"Of course not! That would defeat the purpose of having him as my future son-in-law now wouldn't it?"

"It would, that's why I didn't want you to do that. What are you planning then?"

"I convinced Clarus to file to adopt Prompto."

"Clarus? Oh, Prom will not know how to handle a Dad and two siblings," he said with a smile.

"But it's better than none at all. I am sure Iris and Gladio will welcome him with open arms."

"Can you make sure I'm there when someone tells him? I don't- I don't want him to be alone when he finds out."

"Of course. We can do it together. How about we head over there?" Regis said as he pushed himself back to his feet.

Noctis blinked at that and scrambled some to his feet. "You want to tell him right now? Okay. Then, let's go."

Regis and Noctis walked alongside one another as they headed back into the Citadel. Making their way down the various hallways, they entered Noctis's room where Prompto was waiting.

The moment he saw Prompto, the tightness in his chest lifted, and Noctis was sure to rush over to him to take his hand. "Hey there, miss me?" he teased softly.

Prom held him closely. "Of course. I always do."

Noctis gave his hand a squeeze. "I missed you too. Dad wanted to see how you're doing too."

"D-Dad?" Prompto squeaked as he looked over to see the king standing in the doorway.

"Hello Prompto. It's good to see you looking better," Regis said with a soft smile. "How are you doing today?"

"Um I'm f-fine sir!" Prompto replied quickly.

"I'm glad to hear it. I've been following your recovery closely. I wondered if I might share a bit of our plans for you as you progress."

"P-Plans? What plans?" Prompto looked to Noctis. "Noct?"

Noctis squeezed Prompto's hand to try and reassure him. "I think you'll be alright with this plan," He said softly. "It's not a bad one."

"I assure you, we are looking out for nothing but your best interests. We were discussing who was going to fill in for your guardians once you were released. Clarus has offered to take you in as one of his own children." Regis offered with a small smile.

"What? Whoa whoa wait a minute!" Prompto exclaimed. "Fill in? For my guardians? Clarus? You mean Gladio's dad?"

"Yes, Clarus, Gladiolus's father. He is excited to eventually introduce you to his house," Regis explained. "And your current guardians have shown they were unfit to handle someone as great as you, so we are required to find someone better until you are of age."

"O-Oh..." Prompto sat back down on the bed, his confused expression not leaving his face. "I guess... I think that does make sense. Sounds good, and just... I don't know what to say..."

Noctis reached out to rub Prompto's back gently.

"You deserve this. Your- the people who raised you didn't do a good job. Clarus will treat you like a son, like you deserve. Nothing else should change in your life otherwise." Regis assured him. He reached out to squeeze the blond's knee gently.

"So Gladio's going to be my big brother?"

"And you get a younger sister! Iris is pretty great," Noctis mused. "We should get all of you together to get to know each other."

"O-Oh yeah. I guess so," Prompto nodded nervously. "You think Gladio wants me as a younger brother?"

"Clarus has assured me both Gladiolus and Iris are very excited to have you as part of their household. They've even started to put together a room for you," Regis explained.

Prompto's eyes started to water. He stood where he was as he began to wipe away the tears that started trickling from his eyes.

As soon as he noticed the tears, Noctis moved to wrap Prompto into a large hug. "It's okay. You don't- talk to me?" he said quickly, trying to keep them from falling further.

"It's f-fine," Prompto muttered. "I'm just... I feel so... so happy. I don't deserve all of this."

Regis stepped up to place a gentle hand on Prompto's shoulder. "From what I have seen of you, Prompto, you deserve every kindness in the world," He said softly. "And I will ensure you get all of it that I can."

Prompto started letting the tears stream down his face as he nodded. "Th-Thank you... Your Majesty."

"Please, call me Regis. You're about to be an Amicitia, you more than deserve it."

"An Amicitia..." Prompto repeated softly.

Noctis propped his chin on Prompto's shoulder. "You know what this means. Gladio will just be more determined to get you trained to top shape as soon as he can, right? You'll be running laps around me in no time." He teased softly.

"I bet I can already run laps around you," Prompto laughed as his tears died down. "And Gladio too."

"I imagine you could, but I am not going to bet against that. I don't want to lose, or have to run that many laps," Noctis laughed.

"Alright Mr. Lazy," Prompto teased. "You just stay and watch."

"Hey, I just increased my chances of winning a bet. Just don't tell Gladio," he replied before kissing his cheek gently. "Are you alright with this plan? We won't- I won't let Dad force you to do something you dislike."

"Noctis, Prompto needs proper guardians. He will find a new caretaker or two who will tend to his needs appropriately," Regis countered.

"I don't mind," Prompto shook his head. "I just didn't expect any of this. Really though, thank you uh, Regis."

"You're welcome. I suppose, now that I've shared my news with you, I should allow you two to enjoy your time together." Regis replied, giving them both a smile. "It's good to see you two together." He added softly as he limped toward the door.

-

AN: Riku: such wonderful feelings right? Let's hope it lasts a good life time!